Greatest rookie debut performances in sports history

The Toronto Maple Leafs' first-round draft pick Auston Matthews scored four(!) goals in his NHL debut on Wednesday night. Which other performances rank among the greatest rookie debuts in sports history?

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Oct 13, 2016

Greatest rookie debut performances in sports history

Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs — Oct. 12, 2016

Toronto's first-round pick Auston Matthews had sky-high expectations entering the 2016 season, and man did he live up to them, becoming the first NHLer to score four goals in his debut, though his Maple Leafs fell to the Senators 5-4 in overtime.

Trevor Story, Colorado Rockies — April 4, 2016

Facing Zack Greinke, who led the NL in ERA the year before, Story set an MLB record by homering in his first two career at bats on Opening Day.

Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans — Sept. 13, 2015

2015-0921-SI-cover-Marcus-Mariota-X159929_TK1_651cov.jpg — Gary Bogdon

In his first game ever, which also happened to be against the quarterback that was taken one pick before him in the draft (that'd be the Bucs' Jameis Winston), Mariota became the first rookie in NFL history to throw four touchdowns in the first half. He was 10 of 13 passes for 175 yards and four touchdowns at the end of the first half(!!), and finished the game 13 of 16 for 209 yards. You read that right--he finished with more touchdowns than incompletions.

Steven Matz, New York Mets — June 28, 2015

In an astonishing and storybook debut, Matz became the only major league pitcher and the first player in franchise history (at any position!) to drive in four runs in his first career game, while leading the Mets to a 7-2 victory over the Reds. He did also pitch 7 2/3 innings, allowing just two runs and striking out six.

Troy Grosenick, San Jose Sharks — Nov. 16, 2014

Sharks goalie Troy Grosenick set an NHL record for saves in an NHL debut shutout, stopping 45 shots from the Hurricanes in a 2–0 win.

Michael Carter-Williams, Philadelphia 76ers — Oct. 30, 2013

Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

The former No. 11 pick finished with a video game stat-line of 22 points, 12 assists, seven rebounds and nine steals against LeBron James and the Miami Heat.

Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins — Sept. 9, 2012

Ah, the future once looked so bright. Griffin's debut was a gem: he went 19 of 26 for 320 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions, and rushed for 42 yards on nine carries. Oh, and his first NFL touchdown came on one play on his second drive of the game—an 88-yard throw to Pierre Garcon. The rookie outdid Drew Brees, and led the Redskins to a 40–32 win over the Saints becoming the first QB to throw for more than 300 yards in a winning debut (Cam's 422-yard debut was a loss).

Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers — Sept. 11, 2011

The future league MVP threw for 422 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for one TD in his NFL debut. Despite his herculean effort, the Panthers lost 28-21 to the Cardinals.

Derek Stepan, New York Rangers — Oct. 9, 2010

New York Rangers rookie Derek Stepan scored three times against the Sabres in a 6–3 win

Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals — June 8, 2010

In one of the most hyped debuts ever, the former No. 1 pick struck out 14 batters over seven innings while allowing just two runs against the Pirates.

Starlin Castro, Chicago Cubs — May 7, 2010

The first MLB player born in the 1990s, Castro homered and hit a bases-loaded triple against the Reds, setting the record for most RBIs in a debut with six.

Fabian Brunnstrom, Dallas Stars — Oct. 15, 2008

Fabian Brunnstrom’s first NHL game was one to remember, as he potted three goals against the Predators in a 6-4 Stars’ win

LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers — Oct. 29, 2003

LeBron's first game was one of the most anticipated rookie debuts in NBA history. The proclaimed "Chosen One" recorded a monster stat line of 25 points, nine assists, six rebounds and four steals.

Anquan Boldin, Arizona Cardinals — Sept. 7, 2003

This is considered one of the greatest NFL debuts at any position. The Cardinals receiver finished with 10 catches, 217(!) yards and two touchdowns in Arizona's loss to the Lions.

Allen Iverson, Philadelphia 76ers — Nov. 1, 1996

Allen Iverson took the NBA by storm as soon as he stepped on the floor as a Sixer. The recent hall of fame inductee scored 30 points and dished out 6 assists against the Milwaukee Bucks.

J.R. Richard, Houston Astros — Sept. 5, 1971

The 21-year-old fireballer threw a complete game against the Giants, allowing two earned runs and tying the MLB record with 17 strikeouts in his first career start.

Fran Tarkenton, Minnesota Vikings — Sept. 17, 1961

The Vikings offense was struggling against the Bears, and so in the second quarter, veteran QB George Shaw was benched for a rookie named Fran Tarkenton. Thus began a Hall of Fame career. Tarkenton threw a touchdown pass on his first drive, and finished the game 17/23 for 250 yards, three passing TDs and a rushing TD. The Vikings beat the Bears 37–13.

Juan Marichal, San Francisco Giants — July 19, 1960

Marichal dominated the Phillies, carrying a perfect game into the 7th and a no-hitter into the 8th. He ultimately tossed a one-hit shutout, striking out 12 while walking just one.